The two friends(perceive the king and rise joyfully). Welcome to the wish that is fulfilled without delay. (SHAKUNTALAtries to rise.)King.Do not try to rise, beautiful Shakuntala.Your limbs from which the strength is fled,That crush the blossoms of your bedAnd bruise the lotus-leaves, may bePardoned a breach of courtesy.Shakuntala(sadly to herself). Oh, my heart, you were so impatient, and now you find no answer to make.Anusuya. Your Majesty, pray do this stone bench the honour of sitting upon it. (SHAKUNTALAedges away.)King(seating himself). Priyamvada, I trust your friend's illness is not dangerous.Priyamvada(smiling). A remedy is being applied and it will soon be better. It is plain, sir, that you and she love each other. But I love her too, and I must say something over again.King. Pray do not hesitate. It always causes pain in the end, to leave unsaid what one longs to say.Priyamvada. Then listen, sir.King. I am all attention.Priyamvada. It is the king's duty to save hermit-folk from all suffering. Is not that good Scripture?King. There is no text more urgent.Priyamvada. Well, our friend has been brought to this sad state by her love for you. Will you not take pity on her and save her life?King. We cherish the same desire. I feel it a great honour.Shakuntala(with a jealous smile). Oh, don't detain the good king. He is separated from the court ladies, and he is anxious to go back to them.King.Bewitching eyes that found my heart,You surely seeIt could no longer live apart,Nor faithless be.I bear Love's arrows as I can;Wound not with doubt a wounded man.Anusuya. But, your Majesty, we hear that kings have many favourites. You must act in such a way that our friend may not become a cause of grief to her family.King. What more can I say?Though many queens divide my court,But two support the throne;Your friend will find a rival inThe sea-girt earth alone.The two friends. We are content. (SHAKUNTALAbetrays her joy.)Priyamvada(aside toANUSUYA). Look, Anusuya! See how the dear girl's life is coming back moment by moment—just like a peahen in summer when the first rainy breezes come.Shakuntala. You must please ask the king's pardon for the rude things we said when we were talking together.The two friends(smiling). Anybody who says it was rude, may ask his pardon. Nobody else feels guilty.Shakuntala. Your Majesty, pray forgive what we said when we did not know that you were present. I am afraid that we say a great many things behind a person's back.King(smiling).Your fault is pardoned if I mayRelieve my wearinessBy sitting on the flower-strewn couchYour fevered members press.Priyamvada. But that will not be enough to satisfy him.Shakuntala(feigning anger). Stop! You are a rude girl. You make fun of me when I am in this condition.Anusuya(looking out of the arbour). Priyamvada, there is a little fawn, looking all about him. He has probably lost his mother and is trying to find her. I am going to help him.Priyamvada. He is a frisky little fellow. You can't catch him alone. I'll go with you. (They start to go.)Shakuntala. I will not let you go and leave me alone.The two friends(smiling). You alone, when the king of the world is with you! (Exeunt.)Shakuntala. Are my friends gone?King(looking about). Do not be anxious, beautiful Shakuntala. Have you not a humble servant here, to take the place of your friends? Then tell me:Shall I employ the moistened lotus-leafTo fan away your weariness and grief?Or take your lily feet upon my kneeAnd rub them till you rest more easily?Shakuntala. I will not offend against those to whom I owe honour. (She rises weakly and starts to walk away.)King(detaining her). The day is still hot, beautiful Shakuntala, and you are feverish.Leave not the blossom-dotted couchTo wander in the midday heat,With lotus-petals on your breast,With fevered limbs and stumbling feet.(He lays his hand upon her.)Shakuntala. Oh, don't! Don't! For I am not mistress of myself. Yet what can I do now? I had no one to help me but my friends.King. I am rebuked.Shakuntala. I was not thinking of your Majesty. I was accusing fate.King. Why accuse a fate that brings what you desire?Shakuntala. Why not accuse a fate that robs me of self-control and tempts me with the virtues of another?King(to himself).Though deeply longing, maids are coyAnd bid their wooers wait;Though eager for united joyIn love, they hesitate.Love cannot torture them, nor moveTheir hearts to sudden mating;Perhaps they even torture loveBy their procrastinating.(SHAKUNTALAmoves away.)King. Why should I not have my way? (He approaches and seizes her dress.)Shakuntala. Oh, sir! Be a gentleman. There are hermits wandering about.King. Do not fear your family, beautiful Shakuntala. Father Kanva knows the holy law. He will not regret it.For many a hermit maiden whoBy simple, voluntary riteDispensed with priest and witness, yetFound favour in her father's sight.(He looks about.) Ah, I have come into the open air. (He leavesSHAKUNTALAand retraces his steps.)Shakuntala(takes a step, then turns with an eager gesture).O King, I cannot do as you would have me. You hardly know me after this short talk. But oh, do not forget me.King.When evening comes, the shadow of the treeIs cast far forward, yet does not depart;Even so, belovèd, wheresoe'er you be,The thought of you can never leave my heart.Shakuntala(takes a few steps. To herself). Oh, oh! When I hear him speak so, my feet will not move away. I will hide in this amaranth hedge and see how long his love lasts. (She hides and waits.)King. Oh, my belovèd, my love for you is my whole life, yet you leave me and go away without a thought.Your body, soft as siris-flowers,Engages passion's utmost powers;How comes it that your heart is hardAs stalks that siris-blossoms guard?Shakuntala. When I hear this, I have no power to go.King. What have I to do here, where she is not? (He gazes on the ground.) Ah, I cannot go.The perfumed lotus-chainThat once was worn by herFetters and keeps my heartA hopeless prisoner. (He lifts it reverently.)Shakuntala(looking at her arm). Why, I was so weak and ill that when the lotus-bracelet fell off, I did not even notice it.King(laying the lotus-bracelet on his heart). Ah!Once, dear, on your sweet arm it lay,And on my heart shall ever stay;Though you disdain to give me joy,I find it in a lifeless toy.Shakuntala. I cannot hold back after that. I will use the bracelet as an excuse for my coming. (She approaches.)King(seeing her. Joyfully). The queen of my life! As soon as I complained, fate proved kind to me.No sooner did the thirsty birdWith parching throat complain,Than forming clouds in heaven stirredAnd sent the streaming rain.Shakuntala(standing before the king). When I was going away, sir, I remembered that this lotus-bracelet had fallen from my arm, and I have come back for it. My heart seemed to tell me that you had taken it. Please give it back, or you will betray me, and yourself too, to the hermits.King. I will restore it on one condition.Shakuntala. What condition?King. That I may myself place it where it belongs.Shakuntala(to herself). What can I do? (She approaches.)King. Let us sit on this stone bench. (They walk to the bench and sit down.)King(takingSHAKUNTALA'Shand). Ah!When Shiva's anger burned the treeOf love in quenchless fire,Did heavenly fate preserve a shootTo deck my heart's desire?Shakuntala(feeling his touch). Hasten, my dear, hasten.King(joyfully to himself). Now I am content. She speaks as a wife to her husband. (Aloud.) Beautiful Shakuntala, the clasp of the bracelet is not very firm. May I fasten it in another way?Shakuntala(smiling). If you like.King(artfully delaying before he fastens it). See, my beautiful girl!The lotus-chain is dazzling whiteAs is the slender moon at night.Perhaps it was the moon on highThat joined her horns and left the sky,Believing that your lovely armWould, more than heaven, enhance her charm.Shakuntala. I cannot see it. The pollen from the lotus over my ear has blown into my eye.King(smiling). Will you permit me to blow it away?Shakuntala. I should not like to be an object of pity. But why should I not trust you?King. Do not have such thoughts. A new servant does not transgress orders.Shakuntala. It is this exaggerated courtesy that frightens me.King(to himself). I shall not break the bonds of this sweet servitude. (He starts to raise her face to his. SHAKUNTALAresists a little, then is passive.)King. Oh, my bewitching girl, have no fear of me.(SHAKUNTALAdarts a glance at him, then looks down. The king raises her face. Aside.)Her sweetly trembling lipWith virgin invitationProvokes my soul to sipDelighted fascination.Shakuntala. You seem slow, dear, in fulfilling your promise.King. The lotus over your ear is so near your eye, and so like it, that I was confused. (He gently blows her eye.)Shakuntala. Thank you. I can see quite well now. But I am ashamed not to make any return for your kindness.King. What more could I ask?It ought to be enough for meTo hover round your fragrant face;Is not the lotus-haunting beeContent with perfume and with grace?Shakuntala. But what does he do if he is not content?King. This! This! (He draws her face to his.)A voice behind the scenes. O sheldrake bride, bid your mate farewell. The night is come.Shakuntala(listening excitedly). Oh, my dear, this is Mother Gautami, come to inquire about me. Please hide among the branches. (The king conceals himself. EnterGAUTAMI,with a bowl in her hand.)Gautami. Here is the holy water, my child. (She seesSHAKUNTALAand helps her to rise.) So ill, and all alone here with the gods?Shakuntala. It was just a moment ago that Priyamvada and Anusuya went down to the river.Gautami(sprinklingSHAKUNTALAwith the holy water). May you live long and happy, my child. Has the fever gone down? (She touches her.)Shakuntala. There is a difference, mother.Gautami. The sun is setting. Come, let us go to the cottage.Shakuntala(weakly rising. To herself). Oh, my heart, you delayed when your desire came of itself. Now see what you have done. (She takes a step, then turns around. Aloud.) O bower that took away my pain, I bid you farewell until another blissful hour. (ExeuntSHAKUNTALAandGAUTAMI.)King(advancing with a sigh.) The path to happiness is strewn with obstacles.Her face, adorned with soft eye-lashes,Adorable with trembling flashesOf half-denial, in memory lingers;The sweet lips guarded by her fingers,The head that drooped upon her shoulder—Why was I not a little bolder?Where shall I go now? Let me stay a moment in this bower where my belovèd lay. (He looks about.)The flower-strewn bed whereon her body tossed;The bracelet, fallen from her arm and lost;The dear love-missive, in the lotus-leafCut by her nails: assuage my absent griefAnd occupy my eyes—I have no power,Though she is gone, to leave the reedy bower.(He reflects.) Alas! I did wrong to delay when I had found my love. So nowIf she will grant me but one other meeting,I'll not delay; for happiness is fleeting;So plans my foolish, self-defeated heart;But when she comes, I play the coward's part.A voice behind the scenes. O King!The flames rise heavenward from the evening altar;And round the sacrifices, blazing high,Flesh-eating demons stalk, like red cloud-masses,And cast colossal shadows on the sky.King(listens. Resolutely). Have no fear, hermits. I am here. (Exit.)ACT IVSHAKUNTALA'S DEPARTURESCENE I(Enter the two friends, gathering flowers.)Anusuya. Priyamvada, dear Shakuntala has been properly married by the voluntary ceremony and she has a husband worthy of her. And yet I am not quite satisfied.Priyamvada. Why not?Anusuya. The sacrifice is over and the good king was dismissed to-day by the hermits. He has gone back to the city and there he is surrounded by hundreds of court ladies. I wonder whether he will remember poor Shakuntala or not.Priyamvada. You need not be anxious about that. Such handsome men are sure to be good. But there is something else to think about. I don't know what Father will have to say when he comes back from his pilgrimage and hears about it.Anusuya. I believe that he will be pleased.Priyamvada. Why?Anusuya. Why not? You know he wanted to give his daughter to a lover worthy of her. If fate brings this about of itself, why shouldn't Father be happy?Priyamvada. I suppose you are right. (She looks at her flower-basket.) My dear, we have gathered flowers enough for the sacrifice.Anusuya. But we must make an offering to the gods that watch over Shakuntala's marriage. We had better gather more.Priyamvada. Very well. (They do so.)A voice behind the scenes. Who will bid me welcome?Anusuya(listening). My dear, it sounds like a guest announcing himself.Priyamvada. Well, Shakuntala is near the cottage. (Reflecting.) Ah, but to-day her heart is far away. Come, we must do with the flowers we have. (They start to walk away.)The voice.Do you dare despise a guest like me?Because your heart, by loving fancies blinded,Has scorned a guest in pious life grown old,Your lover shall forget you though reminded,Or think of you as of a story told.(The two girls listen and show dejection.)Priyamvada. Oh, dear! The very thing has happened. The dear, absent-minded girl has offended some worthy man.Anusuya(looking ahead). My dear, this is no ordinary somebody. It is the great sage Durvasas, the irascible. See how he strides away!Priyamvada. Nothing burns like fire. Run, fall at his feet, bring him back, while I am getting water to wash his feet.Anusuya. I will. (Exit.)Priyamvada(stumbling). There! I stumbled in my excitement, and the flower-basket fell out of my hand. (She collects the scattered flowers. ANUSUYAreturns.)Anusuya. My dear, he is anger incarnate. Who could appease him? But I softened him a little.Priyamvada. Even that is a good deal for him. Tell me about it.Anusuya. When he would not turn back, I fell at his feet and prayed to him. "Holy sir," I said, "remember her former devotion and pardon this offence. Your daughter did not recognise your great and holy power to-day."Priyamvada. And then—Anusuya. Then he said: "My words must be fulfilled. But the curse shall be lifted when her lover sees a gem which he has given her for a token." And so he vanished.Priyamvada. We can breathe again. When the good king went away, he put a ring, engraved with his own name, on Shakuntala's finger to remember him by. That will save her.Anusuya. Come, we must finish the sacrifice for her. (They walk about.)Priyamvada(gazing). Just look, Anusuya! There is the dear girl, with her cheek resting on her left hand. She looks like a painted picture. She is thinking about him. How could she notice a guest when she has forgotten herself?Anusuya. Priyamvada, we two must keep this thing to ourselves. We must be careful of the dear girl. You know how delicate she is.Priyamvada. Would any one sprinkle a jasmine-vine with scalding water? (Exeunt ambo.)SCENE II.—Early Morning(Enter a pupil ofKANVA,just risen from sleep.)Pupil. Father Kanva has returned from his pilgrimage, and has bidden me find out what time it is. I will go into the open air and see how much of the night remains. (He walks and looks about.) See! The dawn is breaking. For alreadyThe moon behind the western mount is sinking;The eastern sun is heralded by dawn;From heaven's twin lights, their fall and glory linking,Brave lessons of submission may be drawn.And again:Night-blooming lilies, when the moon is hidden,Have naught but memories of beauty left.Hard, hard to bear! Her lot whom heaven has biddenTo live alone, of love and lover reft.And again:On jujube-trees the blushing dewdrops falter;The peacock wakes and leaves the cottage thatch;A deer is rising near the hoof-marked altar,And stretching, stands, the day's new life to catch.And yet again:The moon that topped the loftiest mountain ranges,That slew the darkness in the midmost sky,Is fallen from heaven, and all her glory changes:So high to rise, so low at last to lie!Anusuya(entering hurriedly. To herself). That is just what happens to the innocent. Shakuntala has been treated shamefully by the king.Pupil. I will tell Father Kanva that the hour of morning sacrifice is come. (Exit.)Anusuya. The dawn is breaking. I am awake bright and early. But what shall I do now that I am awake? My hands refuse to attend to the ordinary morning tasks. Well, let love take its course. For the dear, pure-minded girl trusted him—the traitor! Perhaps it is not the good king's fault. It must be the curse of Durvasas. Otherwise, how could the good king say such beautiful things, and then let all this time pass without even sending a message? (She reflects.) Yes, we must send him the ring he left as a token. But whom shall we ask to take it? The hermits are unsympathetic because they have never suffered. It seemed as if her friends were to blame and so, try as we might, we could not tell Father Kanva that Shakuntala was married to Dushyanta and was expecting a baby. Oh, what shall we do? (EnterPRIYAMVADA.)Priyamvada. Hurry, Anusuya, hurry! We are getting Shakuntala ready for her journey.Anusuya(astonished). What do you mean, my dear?Priyamuada. Listen. I just went to Shakuntala, to ask if she had slept well.Anusuya. And then—Priyamvada. I found her hiding her face for shame, and Father Kanva was embracing her and encouraging her. "My child," he said, "I bring you joy. The offering fell straight in the sacred fire, and auspicious smoke rose toward the sacrificer. My pains for you have proved like instruction given to a good student; they have brought me no regret. This very day I shall give you an escort of hermits and send you to your husband."Anusuya. But, my dear, who told Father Kanva about it?Priyamvada. A voice from heaven that recited a verse when he had entered the fire-sanctuary.Anusuya(astonished). What did it say?Priyamvada. Listen. (Speaking in good Sanskrit.)Know, Brahman, that your child,Like the fire-pregnant tree,Bears kingly seed that shall be bornFor earth's prosperity.Anusuya(huggingPRIYAMVADA). I am so glad, dear. But my joy is half sorrow when I think that Shakuntala is going to be taken away this very day.Priyamvada. We must hide our sorrow as best we can. The poor girl must be made happy to-day.Anusuya. Well, here is a cocoa-nut casket, hanging on a branch of the mango-tree. I put flower-pollen in it for this very purpose. It keeps fresh, you know. Now you wrap it in a lotus-leaf, and I will get yellow pigment and earth from a sacred spot and blades of panic grass for the happy ceremony. (PRIYAMVADAdoes so. ExitANUSUYA.)A voice behind the scenes. Gautami, bid the worthy Sharngarava and Sharadvata make ready to escort my daughter Shakuntala.Priyamvada(listening). Hurry, Anusuya, hurry! They are calling the hermits who are going to Hastinapura. (EnterANUSUYA,with materials for the ceremony.)Anusuya. Come, dear, let us go. (They walk about.)Priyamvada(looking ahead). There is Shakuntala. She took the ceremonial bath at sunrise, and now the hermit-women are giving her rice-cakes and wishing her happiness. Let's go to her. (They do so. EnterSHAKUNTALAwith attendants as described, andGAUTAMI.)Shakuntala. Holy women, I salute you.Gautami. My child, may you receive the happy title "queen," showing that your husband honours you.Hermit-women. My dear, may you become the mother of a hero. (Exeunt all butGAUTAMI.)The two friends(approaching). Did you have a good bath, dear?Shakuntala. Good morning, girls. Sit here.The two friends(seating themselves). Now stand straight, while we go through the happy ceremony.Shakuntala. It has happened often enough, but I ought to be very grateful to-day. Shall I ever be adorned by my friends again? (She weeps.)The two friends. You ought not to weep, dear, at this happy time. (They wipe the tears away and adorn her.)Priyamvada. You are so beautiful, you ought to have the finest gems. It seems like an insult to give you these hermitage things. (EnterHARITA,a hermit-youth with ornaments.)Harita. Here are ornaments for our lady. (The women look at them in astonishment.)Gautami. Harita, my son, whence come these things?Harita. From the holy power of Father Kanva.Gautami. A creation of his mind?Harita. Not quite. Listen. Father Kanva sent us to gather blossoms from the trees for Shakuntala, and thenOne tree bore fruit, a silken marriage dressThat shamed the moon in its white loveliness;Another gave us lac-dye for the feet;From others, fairy hands extended, sweetLike flowering twigs, as far as to the wrist,And gave us gems, to adorn her as we list.Priyamvada(Looking atSHAKUNTALA). A bee may be born in a hole in a tree, but she likes the honey of the lotus.Gautami. This gracious favour is a token of the queenly happiness which you are to enjoy in your husband's palace. (SHAKUNTALAshows embarrassment.)Harita. Father Kanva has gone to the bank of the Malini, to perform his ablutions. I will tell him of the favour shown us by the trees. (Exit.)Anusuya. My dear, we poor girls never saw such ornaments. How shall we adorn you? (She stops to think, and to look at the ornaments.) But we have seen pictures. Perhaps we can arrange them right.Shakuntala. I know how clever you are. (The two friends adorn her. EnterKANVA,returning after his ablutions.)Kanva.Shakuntala must go to-day;I miss her now at heart;I dare not speak a loving wordOr choking tears will start.My eyes are dim with anxious thought;Love strikes me to the life:And yet I strove for pious peace—I have no child, no wife.What must a father feel, when comeThe pangs of parting from his child at home?(He walks about.)The two friends. There, Shakuntala, we have arranged your ornaments. Now put on this beautiful silk dress. (SHAKUNTALArises and does so.)Gautami. My child, here is your father. The eyes with which he seems to embrace you are overflowing with tears of joy. You must greet him properly. (SHAKUNTALAmakes a shamefaced reverence.)Kanva. My child,Like Sharmishtha, Yayati's wife,Win favour measured by your worth;And may you bear a kingly sonLike Puru, who shall rule the earth.Gautami. My child, this is not a prayer, but a benediction.Kanva. My daughter, walk from left to right about the fires in which the offering has just been thrown. (All walk about.)The holy fires around the altar kindle,And at their margins sacred grass is piled;Beneath their sacrificial odours dwindleMisfortunes. May the fires protect you, child!(SHAKUNTALAwalks about them from left to right.)Kanva. Now you may start, my daughter. (He glances about.) Where are Sharngarava and Sharadvata? (Enter the two pupils.)The two pupils. We are here, Father.Kanva. Sharngarava, my son, lead the way for your sister.Sharngarava. Follow me. (They all walk about.)Kanva. O trees of the pious grove, in which the fairies dwell,She would not drink till she had wetYour roots, a sister's duty,Nor pluck your flowers; she loves you yetFar more than selfish beauty.'Twas festival in her pure lifeWhen budding blossoms showed;And now she leaves you as a wife—Oh, speed her on her road!Sharngarava(listening to the song of koïl-birds). Father,The trees are answering your prayerIn cooing cuckoo-song,Bidding Shakuntala farewell,Their sister for so long.Invisible beings,May lily-dotted lakes delight your eye;May shade-trees bid the heat of noonday cease;May soft winds blow the lotus-pollen nigh;May all your path be pleasantness and peace.(All listen in astonishment.)Gautami. My child, the fairies of the pious grove bid you farewell. For they love the household. Pay reverence to the holy ones.Shakuntala(does so. Aside toPRIYAMVADA). Priyamvada, I long to see my husband, and yet my feet will hardly move. It is hard, hard to leave the hermitage.Priyamvada. You are not the only one to feel sad at this farewell. See how the whole grove feels at parting from you.The grass drops from the feeding doe;The peahen stops her dance;Pale, trembling leaves are falling slow,The tears of clinging plants.Shakuntala(recalling something). Father, I must say good-bye to the spring-creeper, my sister among the vines.Kanva. I know your love for her. See! Here she is at your right hand.Shakuntala(approaches the vine and embraces it). Vine sister, embrace me too with your arms, these branches. I shall be far away from you after to-day. Father, you must care for her as you did for me.Kanva.My child, you found the lover whoHad long been sought by me;No longer need I watch for you;I'll give the vine a lover true,This handsome mango-tree.And now start on your journey.Shakuntala(going to the two friends). Dear girls, I leave her in your care too.The two friends. But who will care for poor us? (They shed tears.)Kanva. Anusuya! Priyamvada! Do not weep. It is you who should cheer Shakuntala. (All walk about.)Shakuntala. Father, there is the pregnant doe, wandering about near the cottage. When she becomes a happy mother, you must send some one to bring me the good news. Do not forget.Kanva. I shall not forget, my child.Shakuntala(stumbling) Oh, oh! Who is it that keeps pulling at my dress, as if to hinder me? (She turns round to see.)Kanva.It is the fawn whose lip, when tornBy kusha-grass, you soothed with oil;The fawn who gladly nibbled cornHeld in your hand; with loving toilYou have adopted him, and heWould never leave you willingly.Shakuntala. My dear, why should you follow me when I am going away from home? Your mother died when you were born and I brought you up. Now I am leaving you, and Father Kanva will take care of you. Go back, dear! Go back! (She walks away, weeping.)Kanva. Do not weep, my child. Be brave. Look at the path before you.Be brave, and check the rising tearsThat dim your lovely eyes;Your feet are stumbling on the pathThat so uneven lies.Sharngarava. Holy Father, the Scripture declares that one should accompany a departing loved one only to the first water. Pray give us your commands on the bank of this pond, and then return.Kanva. Then let us rest in the shade of this fig-tree. (All do so.) What commands would it be fitting for me to lay on King Dushyanta? (He reflects.)Anusuya. My dear, there is not a living thing in the whole hermitage that is not grieving to-day at saying good-bye to you. Look!The sheldrake does not heed his mateWho calls behind the lotus-leaf;He drops the lily from his billAnd turns on you a glance of grief.Kanva. Son Sharngarava, when you present Shakuntala to the king, give him this message from me.Remembering my religious worth,Your own high race, the love poured forthBy her, forgetful of her friends,Pay her what honour custom lendsTo all your wives. And what fate givesBeyond, will please her relatives.Sharngarava. I will not forget your message, Father.Kanva(turning toSHAKUNTALA). My child, I must now give you my counsel. Though I live in the forest, I have some knowledge of the world.Sharngarava. True wisdom, Father, gives insight into everything.Kanva. My child, when you have entered your husband's home,Obey your elders; and be very kindTo rivals; never be perversely blindAnd angry with your husband, even though heShould prove less faithful than a man might be;Be as courteous to servants as you may,Not puffed with pride in this your happy day:Thus does a maiden grow into a wife;But self-willed women are the curse of life.But what does Gautami say?Gautami. This is advice sufficient for a bride. (ToSHAKUNTALA.) You will not forget, my child.Kanva. Come, my daughter, embrace me and your friends.Shakuntala. Oh, Father! Must my friends turn back too?Kanva. My daughter, they too must some day be given in marriage. Therefore they may not go to court. Gautami will go with you.Shakuntala(throwing her arms about her father). I am torn from my father's breast like a vine stripped from a sandal-tree on the Malabar hills. How can I live in another soil? (She weeps.)Kanva. My daughter, why distress yourself so?A noble husband's honourable wife,You are to spend a busy, useful lifeIn the world's eye; and soon, as eastern skiesBring forth the sun, from you there shall ariseA child, a blessing and a comfort strong—You will not miss me, dearest daughter, long.Shakuntala(falling at his feet). Farewell, Father.Kanva. My daughter, may all that come to you which I desire for you.Shakuntala(going to her two friends). Come, girls! Embrace me, both of you together.The two friends(do so). Dear, if the good king should perhaps be slow to recognise you, show him the ring with his own name engraved on it.Shakuntala. Your doubts make my heart beat faster.The two friends. Do not be afraid, dear. Love is timid.Sharngarava(looking about). Father, the sun is in mid-heaven. She must hasten.Shakuntala(embracingKANVAonce more). Father, when shall I see the pious grove again?Kanva. My daughter,When you have shared for many yearsThe king's thoughts with the earth,When to a son who knows no fearsYou shall have given birth,When, trusted to the son you love,Your royal labours cease,Come with your husband to the groveAnd end your days in peace.Gautami. My child, the hour of your departure is slipping by. Bid your father turn back. No, she would never do that. Pray turn back, sir.Kanva. Child, you interrupt my duties in the pious grove.Shakuntala. Yes, Father. You will be busy in the grove. You will not miss me. But oh! I miss you.Kanva. How can you think me so indifferent? (He sighs.)My lonely sorrow will not go,For seeds you scattered hereBefore the cottage door, will grow;And I shall see them, dear.Go. And peace go with you. (ExitSHAKUNTALA,withGAUTAMI, SHARNGARAVA,andSHARADVATA.)The two friends(gazing long after her. Mournfully). Oh, oh! Shakuntala is lost among the trees.Kanva. Anusuya! Priyamvada! Your companion is gone. Choke down your grief and follow me. (They start to go back.)The two friends. Father, the grove seems empty without Shakuntala.Kanva. So love interprets. (He walks about, sunk in thought.) Ah! I have sent Shakuntala away, and now I am myself again. ForA girl is held in trust, another's treasure;To arms of love my child to-day is given;And now I feel a calm and sacred pleasure;I have restored the pledge that came from heaven.(Exeunt omnes.)ACT VSHAKUNTALA'S REJECTION(Enter a chamberlain.)Chamberlain(sighing). Alas! To what a state am I reduced!I once assumed the staff of reedFor custom's sake alone,As officer to guard at needThe ladies round the throne.But years have passed away and madeIt serve, my tottering steps to aid.The king is within. I will tell him of the urgent business which demands his attention. (He takes a few steps.) But what is the business? (He recalls it.) Yes, I remember. Certain hermits, pupils of Kanva, desire to see his Majesty. Strange, strange!The mind of age is like a lampWhose oil is running thin;One moment it is shining bright,Then darkness closes in.(He walks and looks about.) Here is his Majesty.He does not seek—until a father's careIs shown his subjects—rest in solitude;As a great elephant recks not of the sunUntil his herd is sheltered in the wood.In truth, I hesitate to announce the coming of Kanva's pupils to the king. For he has this moment risen from the throne of justice. But kings are never weary. ForThe sun unyokes his horses never;Blows night and day the breeze;Shesha upholds the world forever:And kings are like to these.(He walks about. Enter the king, the clown, and retinue according to rank.)King(betraying the cares of office). Every one is happy on attaining his desire—except a king. His difficulties increase with his power. Thus:Security slays nothing but ambition;With great possessions, troubles gather thick;Pain grows, not lessens, with a king's position,As when one's hand must hold the sunshade's stick.Two court poets behind the scenes. Victory to your Majesty.First poet.The world you daily guard and bless,Not heeding pain or weariness;Thus is your nature made.A tree will brave the noonday, whenThe sun is fierce, that weary menMay rest beneath its shade.Second poet.Vice bows before the royal rod;Strife ceases at your kingly nod;You are our strong defender.Friends come to all whose wealth is sure,But you, alike to rich and poor,Are friend both strong and tender.King(listening). Strange! I was wearied by the demands of my office, but this renews my spirit.Clown. Does a bull forget that he is tired when you call him the leader of the herd?King(smiling). Well, let us sit down. (They seat themselves, and the retinue arranges itself. A lute is heard behind the scenes.)Clown(listening). My friend, listen to what is going on in the music-room. Some one is playing a lute, and keeping good time. I suppose Lady Hansavati is practising.King. Be quiet. I wish to listen.Chamberlain(looks at the king). Ah, the king is occupied. I must await his leisure. (He stands aside.)A song behind the scenes.You who kissed the mango-flower,Honey-loving bee,Gave her all your passion's power,Ah, so tenderly!How can you be tempted soBy the lily, pet?Fresher honey's sweet, I know;But can you forget?King. What an entrancing song!Clown. But, man, don't you understand what the words mean?King(smiling). I was once devoted to Queen Hansavati. And the rebuke comes from her. Friend Madhavya, tell Queen Hansavati in my name that the rebuke is a very pretty one.Clown. Yes, sir. (He rises.) But, man, you are using another fellow's fingers to grab a bear's tail-feathers with. I have about as much chance of salvation as a monk who hasn't forgotten his passions.King. Go. Soothe her like a gentleman.Clown. I suppose I must. (Exit.)King(to himself). Why am I filled with wistfulness on hearing such a song? I am not separated from one I love. And yetIn face of sweet presentmentOr harmonies of sound,Man e'er forgets contentment,By wistful longings bound.There must be recollectionsOf things not seen on earth,Deep nature's predilections,Loves earlier than birth.(He shows the wistfulness that comes from unremembered things.)Chamberlain(approaching). Victory to your Majesty. Here are hermits who dwell in the forest at the foot of the Himalayas. They bring women with them, and they carry a message from Kanva. What is your pleasure with regard to them?King(astonished). Hermits? Accompanied by women? From Kanva?Chamberlain. Yes.King. Request my chaplain Somarata in my name to receive these hermits in the manner prescribed by Scripture, and to conduct them himself before me. I will await them in a place fit for their reception.Chamberlain. Yes, your Majesty. (Exit.)King(rising). Vetravati, conduct me to the fire-sanctuary.Portress. Follow me, your Majesty. (She walks about) Your Majesty, here is the terrace of the fire-sanctuary. It is beautiful, for it has just been swept, and near at hand is the cow that yields the milk of sacrifice. Pray ascend it.King(ascends and stands leaning on the shoulder of an attendant.) Vetravati, with what purpose does Father Kanva send these hermits to me?Do leaguèd powers of sin conspireTo balk religion's pure desire?Has wrong been done to beasts that roamContented round the hermits' home?Do plants no longer bud and flower,To warn me of abuse of power?These doubts and more assail my mind,But leave me puzzled, lost, and blind.Portress. How could these things be in a hermitage that rests in the fame of the king's arm? No, I imagine they have come to pay homage to their king, and to congratulate him on his pious rule.(Enter the chaplain and the chamberlain, conducting the two pupils ofKANVA,withGAUTAMIandSHAKUNTALA.)Chamberlain. Follow me, if you please.Sharngarava. Friend Sharadvata,The king is noble and to virtue true;None dwelling here commit the deed of shame;Yet we ascetics view the worldly crewAs in a house all lapped about with flame.Sharadvata. Sharngarava, your emotion on entering the city is quite just. As for me,Free from the world and all its ways,I see them spending worldly daysAs clean men view men smeared with oil,As pure men, those whom passions soil,As waking men view men asleep,As free men, those in bondage deep.Chaplain. That is why men like you are great.Shakuntala(observing an evil omen). Oh, why does my right eye throb?Gautami. Heaven avert the omen, my child. May happiness wait upon you. (They walk about.)Chaplain(indicating the king). O hermits, here is he who protects those of every station and of every age. He has already risen, and awaits you. Behold him.Sharngarava. Yes, it is admirable, but not surprising. ForFruit-laden trees bend down to earth;The water-pregnant clouds hang low;Good men are not puffed up by power—The unselfish are by nature so.Portress. Your Majesty, the hermits seem to be happy. They give you gracious looks.King(observingSHAKUNTALA). Ah!Who is she, shrouded in the veilThat dims her beauty's lustre,Among the hermits like a flowerRound which the dead leaves cluster?Portress. Your Majesty, she is well worth looking at.King. Enough! I must not gaze upon another's wife.Shakuntala(laying her hand on her breast. Aside). Oh, my heart, why tremble so? Remember his constant love and be brave.Chaplain(advancing). Hail, your Majesty. The hermits have been received as Scripture enjoins. They have a message from their teacher. May you be pleased to hear it.King(respectfully). I am all attention.The two pupils(raising their right hands). Victory, O King.King(bowing low). I salute you all.The two pupils. All hail.King. Does your pious life proceed without disturbance?The two pupils.How could the pious duties failWhile you defend the right?Or how could darkness' power prevailO'er sunbeams shining bright?King(to himself). Indeed, my royal title is no empty one. (Aloud.) Is holy Kanva in health?Sharngarava. O King, those who have religious power can command health. He asks after your welfare and sends this message.King. What are his commands?Sharngarava. He says: "Since you have met this my daughter and have married her, I give you my glad consent. ForYou are the best of worthy men, they say;And she, I know, Good Works personified;The Creator wrought for ever and a day,In wedding such a virtuous groom and bride.She is with child. Take her and live with her in virtue."Gautami. Bless you, sir. I should like to say that no one invites me to speak.King. Speak, mother.Gautami.Did she with father speak or mother?Did you engage her friends in speech?Your faith was plighted each to other;Let each be faithful now to each.Shakuntala. What will my husband say?King(listening with anxious suspicion). What is this insinuation?Shakuntala(to herself). Oh, oh! So haughty and so slanderous!Sharngarava. "What is this insinuation?" What is your question? Surely you know the world's ways well enough.Because the world suspects a wifeWho does not share her husband's lot,Her kinsmen wish her to abideWith him, although he love her not.King. You cannot mean that this young woman is my wife.Shakuntala(sadly to herself). Oh, my heart, you feared it, and now it has come.Sharngarava. O King,A king, and shrink when love is done,Turn coward's back on truth, and flee!King. What means this dreadful accusation?Sharngarava(furiously).O drunk with power! We might have knownThat you were steeped in treachery.King. A stinging rebuke!Gautami(toSHAKUNTALA). Forget your shame, my child. I will remove your veil. Then your husband will recognise you. (She does so.)King(observingSHAKUNTALA.To himself).As my heart ponders whether I could everHave wed this woman that has come to meIn tortured loveliness, as I endeavourTo bring it back to mind, then like a beeThat hovers round a jasmine flower at dawn,While frosty dews of morning still o'erweave it,And hesitates to sip ere they be gone,I cannot taste the sweet, and cannot leave it.Portress(to herself). What a virtuous king he is! Would any other man hesitate when he saw such a pearl of a woman coming of her own accord?Sharngarava. Have you nothing to say, O King?King. Hermit, I have taken thought. I cannot believe that this woman is my wife. She is plainly with child. How can I take her, confessing myself an adulterer?Shakuntala(to herself). Oh, oh, oh! He even casts doubt on our marriage. The vine of my hope climbed high, but it is broken now.Sharngarava. Not so.You scorn the sage who rendered wholeHis child befouled, and choked his grief,Who freely gave you what you stoleAnd added honour to a thief!Sharadvata. Enough, Sharngarava. Shakuntala, we have said what we were sent to say. You hear his words. Answer him.Shakuntala(to herself). He loved me so. He is so changed. Why remind him? Ah, but I must clear my own character. Well, I will try. (Aloud.) My dear husband—(She stops.) No, he doubts my right to call him that. Your Majesty, it was pure love that opened my poor heart to you in the hermitage. Then you were kind to me and gave me your promise. Is it right for you to speak so now, and to reject me?King(stopping his ears). Peace, peace!A stream that eats away the bank,Grows foul, and undermines the tree.So you would stain your honour, whileYou plunge me into misery.Shakuntala. Very well. If you have acted so because you really fear to touch another man's wife, I will remove your doubts with a token you gave me.King. An excellent idea!Shakuntala(touching her finger). Oh, oh! The ring is lost. (She looks sadly atGAUTAMI.)Gautami. My child, you worshipped the holy Ganges at the spot where Indra descended. The ring must have fallen there.King. Ready wit, ready wit!Shakuntala. Fate is too strong for me there. I will tell you something else.King. Let me hear what you have to say.Shakuntala. One day, in the bower of reeds, you were holding a lotus-leaf cup full of water.King. I hear you.Shakuntala. At that moment the fawn came up, my adopted son. Then you took pity on him and coaxed him. "Let him drink first," you said. But he did not know you, and he would not come to drink water from your hand. But he liked it afterwards, when I held the very same water. Then you smiled and said: "It is true. Every one trusts his own sort. You both belong to the forest."King. It is just such women, selfish, sweet, false, that entice fools.Gautami. You have no right to say that. She grew up in the pious grove. She does not know how to deceive.King. Old hermit woman,The female's untaught cunning may be seenIn beasts, far more in women selfish-wise;The cuckoo's eggs are left to hatch and rearBy foster-parents, and away she flies.Shakuntala(angrily). Wretch! You judge all this by your own false heart. Would any other man do what you have done? To hide behind virtue, like a yawning well covered over with grass!King(to himself). But her anger is free from coquetry, because she has lived in the forest. See!Her glance is straight; her eyes are flashing red;Her speech is harsh, not drawlingly well-bred;Her whole lip quivers, seems to shake with cold;Her frown has straightened eyebrows arching bold.No, she saw that I was doubtful, and her anger was feigned. ThusWhen I refused but nowHard-heartedly, to knowOf love or secret vow,Her eyes grew red; and so,Bending her arching brow,She fiercely snapped Love's bow.(Aloud.) My good girl, Dushyanta's conduct is known to the whole kingdom, but not this action.Shakuntala. Well, well. I had my way. I trusted a king, and put myself in his hands. He had a honey face and a heart of stone. (She covers her face with her dress and weeps.)Sharngarava. Thus does unbridled levity burn.Be slow to love, but yet more slowWith secret mate;With those whose hearts we do not know,Love turns to hate.King. Why do you trust this girl, and accuse me of an imaginary crime?Sharngarava(disdainfully). You have learned your wisdom upside down.It would be monstrous to believeA girl who never lies;Trust those who study to deceiveAnd think it very wise.King. Aha, my candid friend! Suppose I were to admit that I am such a man. What would happen if I deceived the girl?Sharngarava. Ruin.King. It is unthinkable that ruin should fall on Puru's line.Sharngarava. Why bandy words? We have fulfilled our Father's bidding. We are ready to return.Leave her or take her, as you will;She is your wife;Husbands have power for good or illO'er woman's life.Gautami, lead the way. (They start to go.)Shakuntala. He has deceived me shamelessly. And will you leave me too? (She starts to follow.)
The two friends(perceive the king and rise joyfully). Welcome to the wish that is fulfilled without delay. (SHAKUNTALAtries to rise.)
King.
Do not try to rise, beautiful Shakuntala.Your limbs from which the strength is fled,That crush the blossoms of your bedAnd bruise the lotus-leaves, may bePardoned a breach of courtesy.
Do not try to rise, beautiful Shakuntala.Your limbs from which the strength is fled,That crush the blossoms of your bedAnd bruise the lotus-leaves, may bePardoned a breach of courtesy.
Shakuntala(sadly to herself). Oh, my heart, you were so impatient, and now you find no answer to make.
Anusuya. Your Majesty, pray do this stone bench the honour of sitting upon it. (SHAKUNTALAedges away.)
King(seating himself). Priyamvada, I trust your friend's illness is not dangerous.
Priyamvada(smiling). A remedy is being applied and it will soon be better. It is plain, sir, that you and she love each other. But I love her too, and I must say something over again.
King. Pray do not hesitate. It always causes pain in the end, to leave unsaid what one longs to say.
Priyamvada. Then listen, sir.
King. I am all attention.
Priyamvada. It is the king's duty to save hermit-folk from all suffering. Is not that good Scripture?
King. There is no text more urgent.
Priyamvada. Well, our friend has been brought to this sad state by her love for you. Will you not take pity on her and save her life?
King. We cherish the same desire. I feel it a great honour.
Shakuntala(with a jealous smile). Oh, don't detain the good king. He is separated from the court ladies, and he is anxious to go back to them.
King.
Bewitching eyes that found my heart,You surely seeIt could no longer live apart,Nor faithless be.I bear Love's arrows as I can;Wound not with doubt a wounded man.
Bewitching eyes that found my heart,You surely seeIt could no longer live apart,Nor faithless be.I bear Love's arrows as I can;Wound not with doubt a wounded man.
Anusuya. But, your Majesty, we hear that kings have many favourites. You must act in such a way that our friend may not become a cause of grief to her family.
King. What more can I say?
Though many queens divide my court,But two support the throne;Your friend will find a rival inThe sea-girt earth alone.
Though many queens divide my court,But two support the throne;Your friend will find a rival inThe sea-girt earth alone.
The two friends. We are content. (SHAKUNTALAbetrays her joy.)Priyamvada(aside toANUSUYA). Look, Anusuya! See how the dear girl's life is coming back moment by moment—just like a peahen in summer when the first rainy breezes come.
Shakuntala. You must please ask the king's pardon for the rude things we said when we were talking together.
The two friends(smiling). Anybody who says it was rude, may ask his pardon. Nobody else feels guilty.
Shakuntala. Your Majesty, pray forgive what we said when we did not know that you were present. I am afraid that we say a great many things behind a person's back.
King(smiling).
Your fault is pardoned if I mayRelieve my wearinessBy sitting on the flower-strewn couchYour fevered members press.
Your fault is pardoned if I mayRelieve my wearinessBy sitting on the flower-strewn couchYour fevered members press.
Priyamvada. But that will not be enough to satisfy him.
Shakuntala(feigning anger). Stop! You are a rude girl. You make fun of me when I am in this condition.
Anusuya(looking out of the arbour). Priyamvada, there is a little fawn, looking all about him. He has probably lost his mother and is trying to find her. I am going to help him.
Priyamvada. He is a frisky little fellow. You can't catch him alone. I'll go with you. (They start to go.)
Shakuntala. I will not let you go and leave me alone.
The two friends(smiling). You alone, when the king of the world is with you! (Exeunt.)
Shakuntala. Are my friends gone?
King(looking about). Do not be anxious, beautiful Shakuntala. Have you not a humble servant here, to take the place of your friends? Then tell me:
Shall I employ the moistened lotus-leafTo fan away your weariness and grief?Or take your lily feet upon my kneeAnd rub them till you rest more easily?
Shall I employ the moistened lotus-leafTo fan away your weariness and grief?Or take your lily feet upon my kneeAnd rub them till you rest more easily?
Shakuntala. I will not offend against those to whom I owe honour. (She rises weakly and starts to walk away.)King(detaining her). The day is still hot, beautiful Shakuntala, and you are feverish.
Leave not the blossom-dotted couchTo wander in the midday heat,With lotus-petals on your breast,With fevered limbs and stumbling feet.
Leave not the blossom-dotted couchTo wander in the midday heat,With lotus-petals on your breast,With fevered limbs and stumbling feet.
(He lays his hand upon her.)
Shakuntala. Oh, don't! Don't! For I am not mistress of myself. Yet what can I do now? I had no one to help me but my friends.
King. I am rebuked.
Shakuntala. I was not thinking of your Majesty. I was accusing fate.
King. Why accuse a fate that brings what you desire?
Shakuntala. Why not accuse a fate that robs me of self-control and tempts me with the virtues of another?
King(to himself).
Though deeply longing, maids are coyAnd bid their wooers wait;Though eager for united joyIn love, they hesitate.Love cannot torture them, nor moveTheir hearts to sudden mating;Perhaps they even torture loveBy their procrastinating.
Though deeply longing, maids are coyAnd bid their wooers wait;Though eager for united joyIn love, they hesitate.
Love cannot torture them, nor moveTheir hearts to sudden mating;Perhaps they even torture loveBy their procrastinating.
(SHAKUNTALAmoves away.)
King. Why should I not have my way? (He approaches and seizes her dress.)
Shakuntala. Oh, sir! Be a gentleman. There are hermits wandering about.
King. Do not fear your family, beautiful Shakuntala. Father Kanva knows the holy law. He will not regret it.
For many a hermit maiden whoBy simple, voluntary riteDispensed with priest and witness, yetFound favour in her father's sight.
For many a hermit maiden whoBy simple, voluntary riteDispensed with priest and witness, yetFound favour in her father's sight.
(He looks about.) Ah, I have come into the open air. (He leavesSHAKUNTALAand retraces his steps.)Shakuntala(takes a step, then turns with an eager gesture).
O King, I cannot do as you would have me. You hardly know me after this short talk. But oh, do not forget me.
King.
When evening comes, the shadow of the treeIs cast far forward, yet does not depart;Even so, belovèd, wheresoe'er you be,The thought of you can never leave my heart.
When evening comes, the shadow of the treeIs cast far forward, yet does not depart;Even so, belovèd, wheresoe'er you be,The thought of you can never leave my heart.
Shakuntala(takes a few steps. To herself). Oh, oh! When I hear him speak so, my feet will not move away. I will hide in this amaranth hedge and see how long his love lasts. (She hides and waits.)
King. Oh, my belovèd, my love for you is my whole life, yet you leave me and go away without a thought.
Your body, soft as siris-flowers,Engages passion's utmost powers;How comes it that your heart is hardAs stalks that siris-blossoms guard?
Your body, soft as siris-flowers,Engages passion's utmost powers;How comes it that your heart is hardAs stalks that siris-blossoms guard?
Shakuntala. When I hear this, I have no power to go.
King. What have I to do here, where she is not? (He gazes on the ground.) Ah, I cannot go.
The perfumed lotus-chainThat once was worn by herFetters and keeps my heartA hopeless prisoner. (He lifts it reverently.)
The perfumed lotus-chainThat once was worn by herFetters and keeps my heartA hopeless prisoner. (He lifts it reverently.)
Shakuntala(looking at her arm). Why, I was so weak and ill that when the lotus-bracelet fell off, I did not even notice it.
King(laying the lotus-bracelet on his heart). Ah!
Once, dear, on your sweet arm it lay,And on my heart shall ever stay;Though you disdain to give me joy,I find it in a lifeless toy.
Once, dear, on your sweet arm it lay,And on my heart shall ever stay;Though you disdain to give me joy,I find it in a lifeless toy.
Shakuntala. I cannot hold back after that. I will use the bracelet as an excuse for my coming. (She approaches.)
King(seeing her. Joyfully). The queen of my life! As soon as I complained, fate proved kind to me.
No sooner did the thirsty birdWith parching throat complain,Than forming clouds in heaven stirredAnd sent the streaming rain.
No sooner did the thirsty birdWith parching throat complain,Than forming clouds in heaven stirredAnd sent the streaming rain.
Shakuntala(standing before the king). When I was going away, sir, I remembered that this lotus-bracelet had fallen from my arm, and I have come back for it. My heart seemed to tell me that you had taken it. Please give it back, or you will betray me, and yourself too, to the hermits.
King. I will restore it on one condition.
Shakuntala. What condition?
King. That I may myself place it where it belongs.
Shakuntala(to herself). What can I do? (She approaches.)
King. Let us sit on this stone bench. (They walk to the bench and sit down.)
King(takingSHAKUNTALA'Shand). Ah!
When Shiva's anger burned the treeOf love in quenchless fire,Did heavenly fate preserve a shootTo deck my heart's desire?
When Shiva's anger burned the treeOf love in quenchless fire,Did heavenly fate preserve a shootTo deck my heart's desire?
Shakuntala(feeling his touch). Hasten, my dear, hasten.
King(joyfully to himself). Now I am content. She speaks as a wife to her husband. (Aloud.) Beautiful Shakuntala, the clasp of the bracelet is not very firm. May I fasten it in another way?
Shakuntala(smiling). If you like.
King(artfully delaying before he fastens it). See, my beautiful girl!
The lotus-chain is dazzling whiteAs is the slender moon at night.Perhaps it was the moon on highThat joined her horns and left the sky,Believing that your lovely armWould, more than heaven, enhance her charm.
The lotus-chain is dazzling whiteAs is the slender moon at night.Perhaps it was the moon on highThat joined her horns and left the sky,Believing that your lovely armWould, more than heaven, enhance her charm.
Shakuntala. I cannot see it. The pollen from the lotus over my ear has blown into my eye.
King(smiling). Will you permit me to blow it away?
Shakuntala. I should not like to be an object of pity. But why should I not trust you?King. Do not have such thoughts. A new servant does not transgress orders.
Shakuntala. It is this exaggerated courtesy that frightens me.
King(to himself). I shall not break the bonds of this sweet servitude. (He starts to raise her face to his. SHAKUNTALAresists a little, then is passive.)
King. Oh, my bewitching girl, have no fear of me.
(SHAKUNTALAdarts a glance at him, then looks down. The king raises her face. Aside.)
Her sweetly trembling lipWith virgin invitationProvokes my soul to sipDelighted fascination.
Her sweetly trembling lipWith virgin invitationProvokes my soul to sipDelighted fascination.
Shakuntala. You seem slow, dear, in fulfilling your promise.
King. The lotus over your ear is so near your eye, and so like it, that I was confused. (He gently blows her eye.)
Shakuntala. Thank you. I can see quite well now. But I am ashamed not to make any return for your kindness.
King. What more could I ask?
It ought to be enough for meTo hover round your fragrant face;Is not the lotus-haunting beeContent with perfume and with grace?
It ought to be enough for meTo hover round your fragrant face;Is not the lotus-haunting beeContent with perfume and with grace?
Shakuntala. But what does he do if he is not content?
King. This! This! (He draws her face to his.)
A voice behind the scenes. O sheldrake bride, bid your mate farewell. The night is come.
Shakuntala(listening excitedly). Oh, my dear, this is Mother Gautami, come to inquire about me. Please hide among the branches. (The king conceals himself. EnterGAUTAMI,with a bowl in her hand.)
Gautami. Here is the holy water, my child. (She seesSHAKUNTALAand helps her to rise.) So ill, and all alone here with the gods?
Shakuntala. It was just a moment ago that Priyamvada and Anusuya went down to the river.
Gautami(sprinklingSHAKUNTALAwith the holy water). May you live long and happy, my child. Has the fever gone down? (She touches her.)
Shakuntala. There is a difference, mother.
Gautami. The sun is setting. Come, let us go to the cottage.
Shakuntala(weakly rising. To herself). Oh, my heart, you delayed when your desire came of itself. Now see what you have done. (She takes a step, then turns around. Aloud.) O bower that took away my pain, I bid you farewell until another blissful hour. (ExeuntSHAKUNTALAandGAUTAMI.)
King(advancing with a sigh.) The path to happiness is strewn with obstacles.
Her face, adorned with soft eye-lashes,Adorable with trembling flashesOf half-denial, in memory lingers;The sweet lips guarded by her fingers,The head that drooped upon her shoulder—Why was I not a little bolder?
Her face, adorned with soft eye-lashes,Adorable with trembling flashesOf half-denial, in memory lingers;The sweet lips guarded by her fingers,The head that drooped upon her shoulder—Why was I not a little bolder?
Where shall I go now? Let me stay a moment in this bower where my belovèd lay. (He looks about.)
The flower-strewn bed whereon her body tossed;The bracelet, fallen from her arm and lost;The dear love-missive, in the lotus-leafCut by her nails: assuage my absent griefAnd occupy my eyes—I have no power,Though she is gone, to leave the reedy bower.
The flower-strewn bed whereon her body tossed;The bracelet, fallen from her arm and lost;The dear love-missive, in the lotus-leafCut by her nails: assuage my absent griefAnd occupy my eyes—I have no power,Though she is gone, to leave the reedy bower.
(He reflects.) Alas! I did wrong to delay when I had found my love. So now
If she will grant me but one other meeting,I'll not delay; for happiness is fleeting;So plans my foolish, self-defeated heart;But when she comes, I play the coward's part.
If she will grant me but one other meeting,I'll not delay; for happiness is fleeting;So plans my foolish, self-defeated heart;But when she comes, I play the coward's part.
A voice behind the scenes. O King!
The flames rise heavenward from the evening altar;And round the sacrifices, blazing high,Flesh-eating demons stalk, like red cloud-masses,And cast colossal shadows on the sky.
The flames rise heavenward from the evening altar;And round the sacrifices, blazing high,Flesh-eating demons stalk, like red cloud-masses,And cast colossal shadows on the sky.
King(listens. Resolutely). Have no fear, hermits. I am here. (Exit.)
ACT IVSHAKUNTALA'S DEPARTURESCENE I
(Enter the two friends, gathering flowers.)
Anusuya. Priyamvada, dear Shakuntala has been properly married by the voluntary ceremony and she has a husband worthy of her. And yet I am not quite satisfied.
Priyamvada. Why not?
Anusuya. The sacrifice is over and the good king was dismissed to-day by the hermits. He has gone back to the city and there he is surrounded by hundreds of court ladies. I wonder whether he will remember poor Shakuntala or not.
Priyamvada. You need not be anxious about that. Such handsome men are sure to be good. But there is something else to think about. I don't know what Father will have to say when he comes back from his pilgrimage and hears about it.
Anusuya. I believe that he will be pleased.
Priyamvada. Why?
Anusuya. Why not? You know he wanted to give his daughter to a lover worthy of her. If fate brings this about of itself, why shouldn't Father be happy?
Priyamvada. I suppose you are right. (She looks at her flower-basket.) My dear, we have gathered flowers enough for the sacrifice.
Anusuya. But we must make an offering to the gods that watch over Shakuntala's marriage. We had better gather more.
Priyamvada. Very well. (They do so.)
A voice behind the scenes. Who will bid me welcome?
Anusuya(listening). My dear, it sounds like a guest announcing himself.
Priyamvada. Well, Shakuntala is near the cottage. (Reflecting.) Ah, but to-day her heart is far away. Come, we must do with the flowers we have. (They start to walk away.)
The voice.
Do you dare despise a guest like me?Because your heart, by loving fancies blinded,Has scorned a guest in pious life grown old,Your lover shall forget you though reminded,Or think of you as of a story told.
Do you dare despise a guest like me?Because your heart, by loving fancies blinded,Has scorned a guest in pious life grown old,Your lover shall forget you though reminded,Or think of you as of a story told.
(The two girls listen and show dejection.)
Priyamvada. Oh, dear! The very thing has happened. The dear, absent-minded girl has offended some worthy man.
Anusuya(looking ahead). My dear, this is no ordinary somebody. It is the great sage Durvasas, the irascible. See how he strides away!
Priyamvada. Nothing burns like fire. Run, fall at his feet, bring him back, while I am getting water to wash his feet.
Anusuya. I will. (Exit.)
Priyamvada(stumbling). There! I stumbled in my excitement, and the flower-basket fell out of my hand. (She collects the scattered flowers. ANUSUYAreturns.)
Anusuya. My dear, he is anger incarnate. Who could appease him? But I softened him a little.
Priyamvada. Even that is a good deal for him. Tell me about it.
Anusuya. When he would not turn back, I fell at his feet and prayed to him. "Holy sir," I said, "remember her former devotion and pardon this offence. Your daughter did not recognise your great and holy power to-day."
Priyamvada. And then—
Anusuya. Then he said: "My words must be fulfilled. But the curse shall be lifted when her lover sees a gem which he has given her for a token." And so he vanished.
Priyamvada. We can breathe again. When the good king went away, he put a ring, engraved with his own name, on Shakuntala's finger to remember him by. That will save her.
Anusuya. Come, we must finish the sacrifice for her. (They walk about.)
Priyamvada(gazing). Just look, Anusuya! There is the dear girl, with her cheek resting on her left hand. She looks like a painted picture. She is thinking about him. How could she notice a guest when she has forgotten herself?
Anusuya. Priyamvada, we two must keep this thing to ourselves. We must be careful of the dear girl. You know how delicate she is.
Priyamvada. Would any one sprinkle a jasmine-vine with scalding water? (Exeunt ambo.)
SCENE II.—Early Morning
(Enter a pupil ofKANVA,just risen from sleep.)
Pupil. Father Kanva has returned from his pilgrimage, and has bidden me find out what time it is. I will go into the open air and see how much of the night remains. (He walks and looks about.) See! The dawn is breaking. For already
The moon behind the western mount is sinking;The eastern sun is heralded by dawn;From heaven's twin lights, their fall and glory linking,Brave lessons of submission may be drawn.
The moon behind the western mount is sinking;The eastern sun is heralded by dawn;From heaven's twin lights, their fall and glory linking,Brave lessons of submission may be drawn.
And again:
Night-blooming lilies, when the moon is hidden,Have naught but memories of beauty left.Hard, hard to bear! Her lot whom heaven has biddenTo live alone, of love and lover reft.
Night-blooming lilies, when the moon is hidden,Have naught but memories of beauty left.Hard, hard to bear! Her lot whom heaven has biddenTo live alone, of love and lover reft.
And again:
On jujube-trees the blushing dewdrops falter;The peacock wakes and leaves the cottage thatch;A deer is rising near the hoof-marked altar,And stretching, stands, the day's new life to catch.
On jujube-trees the blushing dewdrops falter;The peacock wakes and leaves the cottage thatch;A deer is rising near the hoof-marked altar,And stretching, stands, the day's new life to catch.
And yet again:
The moon that topped the loftiest mountain ranges,That slew the darkness in the midmost sky,Is fallen from heaven, and all her glory changes:So high to rise, so low at last to lie!
The moon that topped the loftiest mountain ranges,That slew the darkness in the midmost sky,Is fallen from heaven, and all her glory changes:So high to rise, so low at last to lie!
Anusuya(entering hurriedly. To herself). That is just what happens to the innocent. Shakuntala has been treated shamefully by the king.Pupil. I will tell Father Kanva that the hour of morning sacrifice is come. (Exit.)
Anusuya. The dawn is breaking. I am awake bright and early. But what shall I do now that I am awake? My hands refuse to attend to the ordinary morning tasks. Well, let love take its course. For the dear, pure-minded girl trusted him—the traitor! Perhaps it is not the good king's fault. It must be the curse of Durvasas. Otherwise, how could the good king say such beautiful things, and then let all this time pass without even sending a message? (She reflects.) Yes, we must send him the ring he left as a token. But whom shall we ask to take it? The hermits are unsympathetic because they have never suffered. It seemed as if her friends were to blame and so, try as we might, we could not tell Father Kanva that Shakuntala was married to Dushyanta and was expecting a baby. Oh, what shall we do? (EnterPRIYAMVADA.)
Priyamvada. Hurry, Anusuya, hurry! We are getting Shakuntala ready for her journey.
Anusuya(astonished). What do you mean, my dear?
Priyamuada. Listen. I just went to Shakuntala, to ask if she had slept well.
Anusuya. And then—
Priyamvada. I found her hiding her face for shame, and Father Kanva was embracing her and encouraging her. "My child," he said, "I bring you joy. The offering fell straight in the sacred fire, and auspicious smoke rose toward the sacrificer. My pains for you have proved like instruction given to a good student; they have brought me no regret. This very day I shall give you an escort of hermits and send you to your husband."
Anusuya. But, my dear, who told Father Kanva about it?
Priyamvada. A voice from heaven that recited a verse when he had entered the fire-sanctuary.
Anusuya(astonished). What did it say?
Priyamvada. Listen. (Speaking in good Sanskrit.)
Know, Brahman, that your child,Like the fire-pregnant tree,Bears kingly seed that shall be bornFor earth's prosperity.
Know, Brahman, that your child,Like the fire-pregnant tree,Bears kingly seed that shall be bornFor earth's prosperity.
Anusuya(huggingPRIYAMVADA). I am so glad, dear. But my joy is half sorrow when I think that Shakuntala is going to be taken away this very day.
Priyamvada. We must hide our sorrow as best we can. The poor girl must be made happy to-day.
Anusuya. Well, here is a cocoa-nut casket, hanging on a branch of the mango-tree. I put flower-pollen in it for this very purpose. It keeps fresh, you know. Now you wrap it in a lotus-leaf, and I will get yellow pigment and earth from a sacred spot and blades of panic grass for the happy ceremony. (PRIYAMVADAdoes so. ExitANUSUYA.)
A voice behind the scenes. Gautami, bid the worthy Sharngarava and Sharadvata make ready to escort my daughter Shakuntala.
Priyamvada(listening). Hurry, Anusuya, hurry! They are calling the hermits who are going to Hastinapura. (EnterANUSUYA,with materials for the ceremony.)
Anusuya. Come, dear, let us go. (They walk about.)
Priyamvada(looking ahead). There is Shakuntala. She took the ceremonial bath at sunrise, and now the hermit-women are giving her rice-cakes and wishing her happiness. Let's go to her. (They do so. EnterSHAKUNTALAwith attendants as described, andGAUTAMI.)
Shakuntala. Holy women, I salute you.
Gautami. My child, may you receive the happy title "queen," showing that your husband honours you.
Hermit-women. My dear, may you become the mother of a hero. (Exeunt all butGAUTAMI.)
The two friends(approaching). Did you have a good bath, dear?
Shakuntala. Good morning, girls. Sit here.
The two friends(seating themselves). Now stand straight, while we go through the happy ceremony.
Shakuntala. It has happened often enough, but I ought to be very grateful to-day. Shall I ever be adorned by my friends again? (She weeps.)
The two friends. You ought not to weep, dear, at this happy time. (They wipe the tears away and adorn her.)
Priyamvada. You are so beautiful, you ought to have the finest gems. It seems like an insult to give you these hermitage things. (EnterHARITA,a hermit-youth with ornaments.)Harita. Here are ornaments for our lady. (The women look at them in astonishment.)
Gautami. Harita, my son, whence come these things?
Harita. From the holy power of Father Kanva.
Gautami. A creation of his mind?
Harita. Not quite. Listen. Father Kanva sent us to gather blossoms from the trees for Shakuntala, and then
One tree bore fruit, a silken marriage dressThat shamed the moon in its white loveliness;Another gave us lac-dye for the feet;From others, fairy hands extended, sweetLike flowering twigs, as far as to the wrist,And gave us gems, to adorn her as we list.
One tree bore fruit, a silken marriage dressThat shamed the moon in its white loveliness;Another gave us lac-dye for the feet;From others, fairy hands extended, sweetLike flowering twigs, as far as to the wrist,And gave us gems, to adorn her as we list.
Priyamvada(Looking atSHAKUNTALA). A bee may be born in a hole in a tree, but she likes the honey of the lotus.
Gautami. This gracious favour is a token of the queenly happiness which you are to enjoy in your husband's palace. (SHAKUNTALAshows embarrassment.)
Harita. Father Kanva has gone to the bank of the Malini, to perform his ablutions. I will tell him of the favour shown us by the trees. (Exit.)
Anusuya. My dear, we poor girls never saw such ornaments. How shall we adorn you? (She stops to think, and to look at the ornaments.) But we have seen pictures. Perhaps we can arrange them right.
Shakuntala. I know how clever you are. (The two friends adorn her. EnterKANVA,returning after his ablutions.)
Kanva.
Shakuntala must go to-day;I miss her now at heart;I dare not speak a loving wordOr choking tears will start.My eyes are dim with anxious thought;Love strikes me to the life:And yet I strove for pious peace—I have no child, no wife.What must a father feel, when comeThe pangs of parting from his child at home?
Shakuntala must go to-day;I miss her now at heart;I dare not speak a loving wordOr choking tears will start.
My eyes are dim with anxious thought;Love strikes me to the life:And yet I strove for pious peace—I have no child, no wife.
What must a father feel, when comeThe pangs of parting from his child at home?
(He walks about.)The two friends. There, Shakuntala, we have arranged your ornaments. Now put on this beautiful silk dress. (SHAKUNTALArises and does so.)
Gautami. My child, here is your father. The eyes with which he seems to embrace you are overflowing with tears of joy. You must greet him properly. (SHAKUNTALAmakes a shamefaced reverence.)
Kanva. My child,
Like Sharmishtha, Yayati's wife,Win favour measured by your worth;And may you bear a kingly sonLike Puru, who shall rule the earth.
Like Sharmishtha, Yayati's wife,Win favour measured by your worth;And may you bear a kingly sonLike Puru, who shall rule the earth.
Gautami. My child, this is not a prayer, but a benediction.
Kanva. My daughter, walk from left to right about the fires in which the offering has just been thrown. (All walk about.)
The holy fires around the altar kindle,And at their margins sacred grass is piled;Beneath their sacrificial odours dwindleMisfortunes. May the fires protect you, child!
The holy fires around the altar kindle,And at their margins sacred grass is piled;Beneath their sacrificial odours dwindleMisfortunes. May the fires protect you, child!
(SHAKUNTALAwalks about them from left to right.)
Kanva. Now you may start, my daughter. (He glances about.) Where are Sharngarava and Sharadvata? (Enter the two pupils.)
The two pupils. We are here, Father.
Kanva. Sharngarava, my son, lead the way for your sister.
Sharngarava. Follow me. (They all walk about.)
Kanva. O trees of the pious grove, in which the fairies dwell,
She would not drink till she had wetYour roots, a sister's duty,Nor pluck your flowers; she loves you yetFar more than selfish beauty.'Twas festival in her pure lifeWhen budding blossoms showed;And now she leaves you as a wife—Oh, speed her on her road!
She would not drink till she had wetYour roots, a sister's duty,Nor pluck your flowers; she loves you yetFar more than selfish beauty.
'Twas festival in her pure lifeWhen budding blossoms showed;And now she leaves you as a wife—Oh, speed her on her road!
Sharngarava(listening to the song of koïl-birds). Father,
The trees are answering your prayerIn cooing cuckoo-song,Bidding Shakuntala farewell,Their sister for so long.
The trees are answering your prayerIn cooing cuckoo-song,Bidding Shakuntala farewell,Their sister for so long.
Invisible beings,
May lily-dotted lakes delight your eye;May shade-trees bid the heat of noonday cease;May soft winds blow the lotus-pollen nigh;May all your path be pleasantness and peace.
May lily-dotted lakes delight your eye;May shade-trees bid the heat of noonday cease;May soft winds blow the lotus-pollen nigh;May all your path be pleasantness and peace.
(All listen in astonishment.)
Gautami. My child, the fairies of the pious grove bid you farewell. For they love the household. Pay reverence to the holy ones.
Shakuntala(does so. Aside toPRIYAMVADA). Priyamvada, I long to see my husband, and yet my feet will hardly move. It is hard, hard to leave the hermitage.
Priyamvada. You are not the only one to feel sad at this farewell. See how the whole grove feels at parting from you.
The grass drops from the feeding doe;The peahen stops her dance;Pale, trembling leaves are falling slow,The tears of clinging plants.
The grass drops from the feeding doe;The peahen stops her dance;Pale, trembling leaves are falling slow,The tears of clinging plants.
Shakuntala(recalling something). Father, I must say good-bye to the spring-creeper, my sister among the vines.
Kanva. I know your love for her. See! Here she is at your right hand.
Shakuntala(approaches the vine and embraces it). Vine sister, embrace me too with your arms, these branches. I shall be far away from you after to-day. Father, you must care for her as you did for me.
Kanva.
My child, you found the lover whoHad long been sought by me;No longer need I watch for you;I'll give the vine a lover true,This handsome mango-tree.
My child, you found the lover whoHad long been sought by me;No longer need I watch for you;I'll give the vine a lover true,This handsome mango-tree.
And now start on your journey.Shakuntala(going to the two friends). Dear girls, I leave her in your care too.
The two friends. But who will care for poor us? (They shed tears.)
Kanva. Anusuya! Priyamvada! Do not weep. It is you who should cheer Shakuntala. (All walk about.)
Shakuntala. Father, there is the pregnant doe, wandering about near the cottage. When she becomes a happy mother, you must send some one to bring me the good news. Do not forget.
Kanva. I shall not forget, my child.
Shakuntala(stumbling) Oh, oh! Who is it that keeps pulling at my dress, as if to hinder me? (She turns round to see.)
Kanva.
It is the fawn whose lip, when tornBy kusha-grass, you soothed with oil;The fawn who gladly nibbled cornHeld in your hand; with loving toilYou have adopted him, and heWould never leave you willingly.
It is the fawn whose lip, when tornBy kusha-grass, you soothed with oil;The fawn who gladly nibbled cornHeld in your hand; with loving toilYou have adopted him, and heWould never leave you willingly.
Shakuntala. My dear, why should you follow me when I am going away from home? Your mother died when you were born and I brought you up. Now I am leaving you, and Father Kanva will take care of you. Go back, dear! Go back! (She walks away, weeping.)
Kanva. Do not weep, my child. Be brave. Look at the path before you.
Be brave, and check the rising tearsThat dim your lovely eyes;Your feet are stumbling on the pathThat so uneven lies.
Be brave, and check the rising tearsThat dim your lovely eyes;Your feet are stumbling on the pathThat so uneven lies.
Sharngarava. Holy Father, the Scripture declares that one should accompany a departing loved one only to the first water. Pray give us your commands on the bank of this pond, and then return.
Kanva. Then let us rest in the shade of this fig-tree. (All do so.) What commands would it be fitting for me to lay on King Dushyanta? (He reflects.)
Anusuya. My dear, there is not a living thing in the whole hermitage that is not grieving to-day at saying good-bye to you. Look!
The sheldrake does not heed his mateWho calls behind the lotus-leaf;He drops the lily from his billAnd turns on you a glance of grief.
The sheldrake does not heed his mateWho calls behind the lotus-leaf;He drops the lily from his billAnd turns on you a glance of grief.
Kanva. Son Sharngarava, when you present Shakuntala to the king, give him this message from me.
Remembering my religious worth,Your own high race, the love poured forthBy her, forgetful of her friends,Pay her what honour custom lendsTo all your wives. And what fate givesBeyond, will please her relatives.
Remembering my religious worth,Your own high race, the love poured forthBy her, forgetful of her friends,Pay her what honour custom lendsTo all your wives. And what fate givesBeyond, will please her relatives.
Sharngarava. I will not forget your message, Father.
Kanva(turning toSHAKUNTALA). My child, I must now give you my counsel. Though I live in the forest, I have some knowledge of the world.
Sharngarava. True wisdom, Father, gives insight into everything.
Kanva. My child, when you have entered your husband's home,
Obey your elders; and be very kindTo rivals; never be perversely blindAnd angry with your husband, even though heShould prove less faithful than a man might be;Be as courteous to servants as you may,Not puffed with pride in this your happy day:Thus does a maiden grow into a wife;But self-willed women are the curse of life.
Obey your elders; and be very kindTo rivals; never be perversely blindAnd angry with your husband, even though heShould prove less faithful than a man might be;Be as courteous to servants as you may,Not puffed with pride in this your happy day:Thus does a maiden grow into a wife;But self-willed women are the curse of life.
But what does Gautami say?
Gautami. This is advice sufficient for a bride. (ToSHAKUNTALA.) You will not forget, my child.
Kanva. Come, my daughter, embrace me and your friends.
Shakuntala. Oh, Father! Must my friends turn back too?
Kanva. My daughter, they too must some day be given in marriage. Therefore they may not go to court. Gautami will go with you.
Shakuntala(throwing her arms about her father). I am torn from my father's breast like a vine stripped from a sandal-tree on the Malabar hills. How can I live in another soil? (She weeps.)
Kanva. My daughter, why distress yourself so?
A noble husband's honourable wife,You are to spend a busy, useful lifeIn the world's eye; and soon, as eastern skiesBring forth the sun, from you there shall ariseA child, a blessing and a comfort strong—You will not miss me, dearest daughter, long.
A noble husband's honourable wife,You are to spend a busy, useful lifeIn the world's eye; and soon, as eastern skiesBring forth the sun, from you there shall ariseA child, a blessing and a comfort strong—You will not miss me, dearest daughter, long.
Shakuntala(falling at his feet). Farewell, Father.
Kanva. My daughter, may all that come to you which I desire for you.
Shakuntala(going to her two friends). Come, girls! Embrace me, both of you together.
The two friends(do so). Dear, if the good king should perhaps be slow to recognise you, show him the ring with his own name engraved on it.
Shakuntala. Your doubts make my heart beat faster.
The two friends. Do not be afraid, dear. Love is timid.
Sharngarava(looking about). Father, the sun is in mid-heaven. She must hasten.
Shakuntala(embracingKANVAonce more). Father, when shall I see the pious grove again?
Kanva. My daughter,
When you have shared for many yearsThe king's thoughts with the earth,When to a son who knows no fearsYou shall have given birth,When, trusted to the son you love,Your royal labours cease,Come with your husband to the groveAnd end your days in peace.
When you have shared for many yearsThe king's thoughts with the earth,When to a son who knows no fearsYou shall have given birth,
When, trusted to the son you love,Your royal labours cease,Come with your husband to the groveAnd end your days in peace.
Gautami. My child, the hour of your departure is slipping by. Bid your father turn back. No, she would never do that. Pray turn back, sir.
Kanva. Child, you interrupt my duties in the pious grove.
Shakuntala. Yes, Father. You will be busy in the grove. You will not miss me. But oh! I miss you.Kanva. How can you think me so indifferent? (He sighs.)
My lonely sorrow will not go,For seeds you scattered hereBefore the cottage door, will grow;And I shall see them, dear.
My lonely sorrow will not go,For seeds you scattered hereBefore the cottage door, will grow;And I shall see them, dear.
Go. And peace go with you. (ExitSHAKUNTALA,withGAUTAMI, SHARNGARAVA,andSHARADVATA.)
The two friends(gazing long after her. Mournfully). Oh, oh! Shakuntala is lost among the trees.
Kanva. Anusuya! Priyamvada! Your companion is gone. Choke down your grief and follow me. (They start to go back.)
The two friends. Father, the grove seems empty without Shakuntala.
Kanva. So love interprets. (He walks about, sunk in thought.) Ah! I have sent Shakuntala away, and now I am myself again. For
A girl is held in trust, another's treasure;To arms of love my child to-day is given;And now I feel a calm and sacred pleasure;I have restored the pledge that came from heaven.
A girl is held in trust, another's treasure;To arms of love my child to-day is given;And now I feel a calm and sacred pleasure;I have restored the pledge that came from heaven.
(Exeunt omnes.)
ACT VSHAKUNTALA'S REJECTION
(Enter a chamberlain.)
Chamberlain(sighing). Alas! To what a state am I reduced!
I once assumed the staff of reedFor custom's sake alone,As officer to guard at needThe ladies round the throne.But years have passed away and madeIt serve, my tottering steps to aid.
I once assumed the staff of reedFor custom's sake alone,As officer to guard at needThe ladies round the throne.But years have passed away and madeIt serve, my tottering steps to aid.
The king is within. I will tell him of the urgent business which demands his attention. (He takes a few steps.) But what is the business? (He recalls it.) Yes, I remember. Certain hermits, pupils of Kanva, desire to see his Majesty. Strange, strange!
The mind of age is like a lampWhose oil is running thin;One moment it is shining bright,Then darkness closes in.
The mind of age is like a lampWhose oil is running thin;One moment it is shining bright,Then darkness closes in.
(He walks and looks about.) Here is his Majesty.
He does not seek—until a father's careIs shown his subjects—rest in solitude;As a great elephant recks not of the sunUntil his herd is sheltered in the wood.
He does not seek—until a father's careIs shown his subjects—rest in solitude;As a great elephant recks not of the sunUntil his herd is sheltered in the wood.
In truth, I hesitate to announce the coming of Kanva's pupils to the king. For he has this moment risen from the throne of justice. But kings are never weary. For
The sun unyokes his horses never;Blows night and day the breeze;Shesha upholds the world forever:And kings are like to these.
The sun unyokes his horses never;Blows night and day the breeze;Shesha upholds the world forever:And kings are like to these.
(He walks about. Enter the king, the clown, and retinue according to rank.)King(betraying the cares of office). Every one is happy on attaining his desire—except a king. His difficulties increase with his power. Thus:
Security slays nothing but ambition;With great possessions, troubles gather thick;Pain grows, not lessens, with a king's position,As when one's hand must hold the sunshade's stick.
Security slays nothing but ambition;With great possessions, troubles gather thick;Pain grows, not lessens, with a king's position,As when one's hand must hold the sunshade's stick.
Two court poets behind the scenes. Victory to your Majesty.
First poet.
The world you daily guard and bless,Not heeding pain or weariness;Thus is your nature made.A tree will brave the noonday, whenThe sun is fierce, that weary menMay rest beneath its shade.
The world you daily guard and bless,Not heeding pain or weariness;Thus is your nature made.A tree will brave the noonday, whenThe sun is fierce, that weary menMay rest beneath its shade.
Second poet.
Vice bows before the royal rod;Strife ceases at your kingly nod;You are our strong defender.Friends come to all whose wealth is sure,But you, alike to rich and poor,Are friend both strong and tender.
Vice bows before the royal rod;Strife ceases at your kingly nod;You are our strong defender.Friends come to all whose wealth is sure,But you, alike to rich and poor,Are friend both strong and tender.
King(listening). Strange! I was wearied by the demands of my office, but this renews my spirit.
Clown. Does a bull forget that he is tired when you call him the leader of the herd?
King(smiling). Well, let us sit down. (They seat themselves, and the retinue arranges itself. A lute is heard behind the scenes.)
Clown(listening). My friend, listen to what is going on in the music-room. Some one is playing a lute, and keeping good time. I suppose Lady Hansavati is practising.
King. Be quiet. I wish to listen.
Chamberlain(looks at the king). Ah, the king is occupied. I must await his leisure. (He stands aside.)
A song behind the scenes.
You who kissed the mango-flower,Honey-loving bee,Gave her all your passion's power,Ah, so tenderly!How can you be tempted soBy the lily, pet?Fresher honey's sweet, I know;But can you forget?
You who kissed the mango-flower,Honey-loving bee,Gave her all your passion's power,Ah, so tenderly!
How can you be tempted soBy the lily, pet?Fresher honey's sweet, I know;But can you forget?
King. What an entrancing song!
Clown. But, man, don't you understand what the words mean?
King(smiling). I was once devoted to Queen Hansavati. And the rebuke comes from her. Friend Madhavya, tell Queen Hansavati in my name that the rebuke is a very pretty one.
Clown. Yes, sir. (He rises.) But, man, you are using another fellow's fingers to grab a bear's tail-feathers with. I have about as much chance of salvation as a monk who hasn't forgotten his passions.
King. Go. Soothe her like a gentleman.
Clown. I suppose I must. (Exit.)
King(to himself). Why am I filled with wistfulness on hearing such a song? I am not separated from one I love. And yet
In face of sweet presentmentOr harmonies of sound,Man e'er forgets contentment,By wistful longings bound.There must be recollectionsOf things not seen on earth,Deep nature's predilections,Loves earlier than birth.
In face of sweet presentmentOr harmonies of sound,Man e'er forgets contentment,By wistful longings bound.
There must be recollectionsOf things not seen on earth,Deep nature's predilections,Loves earlier than birth.
(He shows the wistfulness that comes from unremembered things.)
Chamberlain(approaching). Victory to your Majesty. Here are hermits who dwell in the forest at the foot of the Himalayas. They bring women with them, and they carry a message from Kanva. What is your pleasure with regard to them?
King(astonished). Hermits? Accompanied by women? From Kanva?
Chamberlain. Yes.
King. Request my chaplain Somarata in my name to receive these hermits in the manner prescribed by Scripture, and to conduct them himself before me. I will await them in a place fit for their reception.
Chamberlain. Yes, your Majesty. (Exit.)
King(rising). Vetravati, conduct me to the fire-sanctuary.
Portress. Follow me, your Majesty. (She walks about) Your Majesty, here is the terrace of the fire-sanctuary. It is beautiful, for it has just been swept, and near at hand is the cow that yields the milk of sacrifice. Pray ascend it.
King(ascends and stands leaning on the shoulder of an attendant.) Vetravati, with what purpose does Father Kanva send these hermits to me?
Do leaguèd powers of sin conspireTo balk religion's pure desire?Has wrong been done to beasts that roamContented round the hermits' home?Do plants no longer bud and flower,To warn me of abuse of power?These doubts and more assail my mind,But leave me puzzled, lost, and blind.
Do leaguèd powers of sin conspireTo balk religion's pure desire?Has wrong been done to beasts that roamContented round the hermits' home?Do plants no longer bud and flower,To warn me of abuse of power?These doubts and more assail my mind,But leave me puzzled, lost, and blind.
Portress. How could these things be in a hermitage that rests in the fame of the king's arm? No, I imagine they have come to pay homage to their king, and to congratulate him on his pious rule.
(Enter the chaplain and the chamberlain, conducting the two pupils ofKANVA,withGAUTAMIandSHAKUNTALA.)
Chamberlain. Follow me, if you please.
Sharngarava. Friend Sharadvata,
The king is noble and to virtue true;None dwelling here commit the deed of shame;Yet we ascetics view the worldly crewAs in a house all lapped about with flame.
The king is noble and to virtue true;None dwelling here commit the deed of shame;Yet we ascetics view the worldly crewAs in a house all lapped about with flame.
Sharadvata. Sharngarava, your emotion on entering the city is quite just. As for me,
Free from the world and all its ways,I see them spending worldly daysAs clean men view men smeared with oil,As pure men, those whom passions soil,As waking men view men asleep,As free men, those in bondage deep.
Free from the world and all its ways,I see them spending worldly daysAs clean men view men smeared with oil,As pure men, those whom passions soil,As waking men view men asleep,As free men, those in bondage deep.
Chaplain. That is why men like you are great.
Shakuntala(observing an evil omen). Oh, why does my right eye throb?
Gautami. Heaven avert the omen, my child. May happiness wait upon you. (They walk about.)
Chaplain(indicating the king). O hermits, here is he who protects those of every station and of every age. He has already risen, and awaits you. Behold him.
Sharngarava. Yes, it is admirable, but not surprising. For
Fruit-laden trees bend down to earth;The water-pregnant clouds hang low;Good men are not puffed up by power—The unselfish are by nature so.
Fruit-laden trees bend down to earth;The water-pregnant clouds hang low;Good men are not puffed up by power—The unselfish are by nature so.
Portress. Your Majesty, the hermits seem to be happy. They give you gracious looks.
King(observingSHAKUNTALA). Ah!
Who is she, shrouded in the veilThat dims her beauty's lustre,Among the hermits like a flowerRound which the dead leaves cluster?
Who is she, shrouded in the veilThat dims her beauty's lustre,Among the hermits like a flowerRound which the dead leaves cluster?
Portress. Your Majesty, she is well worth looking at.
King. Enough! I must not gaze upon another's wife.
Shakuntala(laying her hand on her breast. Aside). Oh, my heart, why tremble so? Remember his constant love and be brave.
Chaplain(advancing). Hail, your Majesty. The hermits have been received as Scripture enjoins. They have a message from their teacher. May you be pleased to hear it.
King(respectfully). I am all attention.
The two pupils(raising their right hands). Victory, O King.
King(bowing low). I salute you all.
The two pupils. All hail.
King. Does your pious life proceed without disturbance?
The two pupils.
How could the pious duties failWhile you defend the right?Or how could darkness' power prevailO'er sunbeams shining bright?
How could the pious duties failWhile you defend the right?Or how could darkness' power prevailO'er sunbeams shining bright?
King(to himself). Indeed, my royal title is no empty one. (Aloud.) Is holy Kanva in health?
Sharngarava. O King, those who have religious power can command health. He asks after your welfare and sends this message.
King. What are his commands?
Sharngarava. He says: "Since you have met this my daughter and have married her, I give you my glad consent. For
You are the best of worthy men, they say;And she, I know, Good Works personified;The Creator wrought for ever and a day,In wedding such a virtuous groom and bride.
You are the best of worthy men, they say;And she, I know, Good Works personified;The Creator wrought for ever and a day,In wedding such a virtuous groom and bride.
She is with child. Take her and live with her in virtue."
Gautami. Bless you, sir. I should like to say that no one invites me to speak.
King. Speak, mother.
Gautami.
Did she with father speak or mother?Did you engage her friends in speech?Your faith was plighted each to other;Let each be faithful now to each.
Did she with father speak or mother?Did you engage her friends in speech?Your faith was plighted each to other;Let each be faithful now to each.
Shakuntala. What will my husband say?
King(listening with anxious suspicion). What is this insinuation?
Shakuntala(to herself). Oh, oh! So haughty and so slanderous!
Sharngarava. "What is this insinuation?" What is your question? Surely you know the world's ways well enough.
Because the world suspects a wifeWho does not share her husband's lot,Her kinsmen wish her to abideWith him, although he love her not.
Because the world suspects a wifeWho does not share her husband's lot,Her kinsmen wish her to abideWith him, although he love her not.
King. You cannot mean that this young woman is my wife.
Shakuntala(sadly to herself). Oh, my heart, you feared it, and now it has come.Sharngarava. O King,
A king, and shrink when love is done,Turn coward's back on truth, and flee!
A king, and shrink when love is done,Turn coward's back on truth, and flee!
King. What means this dreadful accusation?
Sharngarava(furiously).
O drunk with power! We might have knownThat you were steeped in treachery.
O drunk with power! We might have knownThat you were steeped in treachery.
King. A stinging rebuke!
Gautami(toSHAKUNTALA). Forget your shame, my child. I will remove your veil. Then your husband will recognise you. (She does so.)
King(observingSHAKUNTALA.To himself).
As my heart ponders whether I could everHave wed this woman that has come to meIn tortured loveliness, as I endeavourTo bring it back to mind, then like a beeThat hovers round a jasmine flower at dawn,While frosty dews of morning still o'erweave it,And hesitates to sip ere they be gone,I cannot taste the sweet, and cannot leave it.
As my heart ponders whether I could everHave wed this woman that has come to meIn tortured loveliness, as I endeavourTo bring it back to mind, then like a bee
That hovers round a jasmine flower at dawn,While frosty dews of morning still o'erweave it,And hesitates to sip ere they be gone,I cannot taste the sweet, and cannot leave it.
Portress(to herself). What a virtuous king he is! Would any other man hesitate when he saw such a pearl of a woman coming of her own accord?
Sharngarava. Have you nothing to say, O King?
King. Hermit, I have taken thought. I cannot believe that this woman is my wife. She is plainly with child. How can I take her, confessing myself an adulterer?
Shakuntala(to herself). Oh, oh, oh! He even casts doubt on our marriage. The vine of my hope climbed high, but it is broken now.
Sharngarava. Not so.
You scorn the sage who rendered wholeHis child befouled, and choked his grief,Who freely gave you what you stoleAnd added honour to a thief!
You scorn the sage who rendered wholeHis child befouled, and choked his grief,Who freely gave you what you stoleAnd added honour to a thief!
Sharadvata. Enough, Sharngarava. Shakuntala, we have said what we were sent to say. You hear his words. Answer him.
Shakuntala(to herself). He loved me so. He is so changed. Why remind him? Ah, but I must clear my own character. Well, I will try. (Aloud.) My dear husband—(She stops.) No, he doubts my right to call him that. Your Majesty, it was pure love that opened my poor heart to you in the hermitage. Then you were kind to me and gave me your promise. Is it right for you to speak so now, and to reject me?
King(stopping his ears). Peace, peace!
A stream that eats away the bank,Grows foul, and undermines the tree.So you would stain your honour, whileYou plunge me into misery.
A stream that eats away the bank,Grows foul, and undermines the tree.So you would stain your honour, whileYou plunge me into misery.
Shakuntala. Very well. If you have acted so because you really fear to touch another man's wife, I will remove your doubts with a token you gave me.
King. An excellent idea!
Shakuntala(touching her finger). Oh, oh! The ring is lost. (She looks sadly atGAUTAMI.)
Gautami. My child, you worshipped the holy Ganges at the spot where Indra descended. The ring must have fallen there.
King. Ready wit, ready wit!
Shakuntala. Fate is too strong for me there. I will tell you something else.
King. Let me hear what you have to say.
Shakuntala. One day, in the bower of reeds, you were holding a lotus-leaf cup full of water.
King. I hear you.
Shakuntala. At that moment the fawn came up, my adopted son. Then you took pity on him and coaxed him. "Let him drink first," you said. But he did not know you, and he would not come to drink water from your hand. But he liked it afterwards, when I held the very same water. Then you smiled and said: "It is true. Every one trusts his own sort. You both belong to the forest."
King. It is just such women, selfish, sweet, false, that entice fools.Gautami. You have no right to say that. She grew up in the pious grove. She does not know how to deceive.
King. Old hermit woman,
The female's untaught cunning may be seenIn beasts, far more in women selfish-wise;The cuckoo's eggs are left to hatch and rearBy foster-parents, and away she flies.
The female's untaught cunning may be seenIn beasts, far more in women selfish-wise;The cuckoo's eggs are left to hatch and rearBy foster-parents, and away she flies.
Shakuntala(angrily). Wretch! You judge all this by your own false heart. Would any other man do what you have done? To hide behind virtue, like a yawning well covered over with grass!
King(to himself). But her anger is free from coquetry, because she has lived in the forest. See!
Her glance is straight; her eyes are flashing red;Her speech is harsh, not drawlingly well-bred;Her whole lip quivers, seems to shake with cold;Her frown has straightened eyebrows arching bold.
Her glance is straight; her eyes are flashing red;Her speech is harsh, not drawlingly well-bred;Her whole lip quivers, seems to shake with cold;Her frown has straightened eyebrows arching bold.
No, she saw that I was doubtful, and her anger was feigned. Thus
When I refused but nowHard-heartedly, to knowOf love or secret vow,Her eyes grew red; and so,Bending her arching brow,She fiercely snapped Love's bow.
When I refused but nowHard-heartedly, to knowOf love or secret vow,Her eyes grew red; and so,Bending her arching brow,She fiercely snapped Love's bow.
(Aloud.) My good girl, Dushyanta's conduct is known to the whole kingdom, but not this action.
Shakuntala. Well, well. I had my way. I trusted a king, and put myself in his hands. He had a honey face and a heart of stone. (She covers her face with her dress and weeps.)
Sharngarava. Thus does unbridled levity burn.
Be slow to love, but yet more slowWith secret mate;With those whose hearts we do not know,Love turns to hate.
Be slow to love, but yet more slowWith secret mate;With those whose hearts we do not know,Love turns to hate.
King. Why do you trust this girl, and accuse me of an imaginary crime?Sharngarava(disdainfully). You have learned your wisdom upside down.
It would be monstrous to believeA girl who never lies;Trust those who study to deceiveAnd think it very wise.
It would be monstrous to believeA girl who never lies;Trust those who study to deceiveAnd think it very wise.
King. Aha, my candid friend! Suppose I were to admit that I am such a man. What would happen if I deceived the girl?
Sharngarava. Ruin.
King. It is unthinkable that ruin should fall on Puru's line.
Sharngarava. Why bandy words? We have fulfilled our Father's bidding. We are ready to return.
Leave her or take her, as you will;She is your wife;Husbands have power for good or illO'er woman's life.
Leave her or take her, as you will;She is your wife;Husbands have power for good or illO'er woman's life.
Gautami, lead the way. (They start to go.)
Shakuntala. He has deceived me shamelessly. And will you leave me too? (She starts to follow.)